Spring Squirrel Season Set To Begin May 3

If the fall hunting season seems too far away, then hunters should utilize the spring squirrel season this May to attain their hunting fix and carry them through the summer.

In 2008, the spring squirrel season will run from May 3-25 on private lands and from May 3-11 on the Bodcau, Boeuf, Clear Creek, Little River, Maurepas Swamp (East Tract), Russell Sage and Sherburne Wildlife Management Areas. The daily bag limit is three, with a possession limit of six.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) created the spring squirrel season last year to give hunters more opportunities to get into the woods.

"The spring squirrel season gives hunters another chance to hunt with or without dogs, which is always a good thing," said LDWF Biologist Manager Fred Kimmel. "Since using dogs for the spring squirrel season is allowed and encouraged, using this time to train squirrel dogs is also a great way to keep your dogs in hunting shape year round."

Kimmel also points out that hunters need to be aware of the many differences between the spring and fall squirrel hunting seasons.

- Fall squirrel hunters are used to hunting around trees that produce in the fall, such as the hard mast trees like oak and hickory. However, during the spring, hunters should look for trees that produce a soft mast such as mulberry or trees that have flowers or buds.

- Hunters may do better by moving quietly and looking for active squirrels during the spring as opposed to the sit and wait method practiced during the fall. Trees will be full of leaves and will provide cover to help hunters quietly stalk squirrels.

- In addition to looking for trees with fruits and flowers, hunters may want to key on active den trees.

- Hunters that use dogs should bring plenty of water since it will be warmer than the fall season.

- Hunters should also bring insect repellant.

The spring squirrel season will be closed in the Kisatchie National Forest, on National Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas not listed above and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property.